A Sequence of Composition

This exercise is help to me think about the practical process of composition. Rather than using landscapes or objects, the idea is challenge the photographer by choosing a situation that involves people.

I had struggled to find a suitable situation here, as time is very limited at the moment and there aren't many public events going on. It wasn't until I drove past a car boot this morning and thought this would make an ideal opportunity to photograph people which may have the potential for an interesting photo and where situations change every second, giving me the opportunity to walk, view and wait.

Below is a record of the photographs that document life as it happens during a busy car boot in Portsmouth.

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Entry in the car boot

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Iconic ice cream vans make an appearance on sunny days

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Capering the moment of handing over ice cream for payment

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Women views what's on offer

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View of one stall and their set up to sell many smaller objects

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Further exchanges

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Seller waits patiently for a sale ... or almost falls asleep in the sun!

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Buyers browse what's on offer

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A seller goes through what she left and begins to organise

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Browsing the books

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A man sits perched looking through the items

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Another opportunity to witness a potential purchase, while the man looks over the radio

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Some of the items for sale where a little on the unique side

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More captured expression from buyers

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A busy stream of buyers

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Another exchange

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A man examines a fishing rod before purchase. Capturing both buyer and seller deeply engaged in conversation and technical checking
(He didn't buy in the end ... it was bent)

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A stall seller checks his items

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An unexpected find, a couple of Vespa mopeds (not for sale)

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Another potential buyer

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Sitting and examining as life goes on all around

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A stall seller prepares her baby clothes for sale






On reflection this was a great exercise. At first I was putting this off as the interaction with other people and taking photos without permission is some what daunting. However, once I got started, moving around, viewing, watching and waiting for that right moment was very addictive and enjoyable.
A few people asked what I was doing, and once I explained they were all very happy and welcoming.
Capturing peoples expressions unaware of the camera has helped create a series of photographs that accurately recreate the 'Car Boot' life.